The US shot down a Chinese spy balloon in the Atlantic Ocean off the South Carolina coast on Saturday afternoon. Along with this, a new kind of tension has also arisen between the two countries.
The entry of Chinese spy balloon in American air space has created a stir. America’s fighter jets have blown this balloon in the sky itself. Due to the spy balloon, a new kind of tension has also arisen between the two countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has canceled his visit to China. On the other hand, China has defended itself saying that the balloon had lost its direction and reached the American territory, which is mainly used for meteorological research.
It is also important to know how the spy balloon of China, which has created a stir in the whole world including America, is what it is like. If America is to be believed, the Chinese spy balloon that it shot down was almost the size of three school buses. US defense officials have said the balloon was previously seen over Montana, one of three US nuclear missile silo areas at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
What is a spy balloon?
Using a balloon for espionage is not a new thing. The spy balloon was first used in the world during the French Revolution in 1794 against Austrian and Dutch troops at the Battle of Fleurus. Helium gas is filled in this balloon. Which help it to fly very high.
A solar panel is also installed in this balloon, which provides energy to the equipment installed in it. Spy balloons are fitted with high resolution cameras as well as radar sensors. Apart from this, communication equipment is also used to contact the balloon.
Why is it difficult to track?
Tracking spy balloons is not easy. The biggest reason behind this is their flying at a very high altitude. Usually surveillance balloons fly at an altitude of 80,000 to 1,20,000 feet. Its height can be gauged from the fact that it flies higher than a fighter jet. Fighter jets usually fly at an altitude of 65,000 feet. Whereas commercial aircraft fly at an altitude of 40,000 feet.
Why is it used?
There is a big reason behind why balloons are used for espionage of any country. Balloons are much cheaper than making a satellite for espionage. In less money, such a spy balloon is prepared which works like a satellite. Spy balloons fly at a lower altitude than satellites, so they are able to scan wider areas of territory for longer periods of time and from lower altitudes.
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